SAINT PAUL HISTORY TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Take Me to the River: Fourth-Graders Learn Navigation, Shelter and Fire at Hidden Falls
A National Park Service–led, hands-on outdoor education program at Hidden Falls Regional Park that teaches orienteering, shelter- and fire-building while connecting students to the cultural history of the Mississippi River.
Take Me to the River: Fourth-Graders Learn Navigation, Shelter and Fire at Hidden Falls.
Take Me to the River is an immersive, interactive autumn outdoor-education program primarily for fourth-graders that brings classes to Hidden Falls Regional Park to explore the geography, geology and physical science of the Mississippi River through hands-on stations— orienteering/geocaching, shelter building and fire building—led by National Park Service rangers and River Educators; the program is offered free to participating schools.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Orienteering & Navigation
Students practise map-reading and geocaching-style navigation at dedicated orienteering stations, putting classroom concepts of geography and physical science into immediate outdoor practice.
Shelter and Fire-Building Stations
Hands-on stations guide students through shelter construction and basic fire-building techniques under ranger supervision, emphasizing teamwork and practical outdoor skills.
Cultural History of the Mississippi
Throughout the day students connect with the vibrant cultural history of the Mississippi River as part of an integrated program led by River Educators and National Park Service rangers.
What the day feels like
What the day feels like
The program unfolds as a series of instructor-led, hands-on stations at Hidden Falls where fourth-graders rotate through orienteering, shelter-building and fire-making activities while learning about the river’s natural and cultural context; the model is immersive, active, and designed to connect core curriculum to an outdoor setting under ranger guidance.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this program is built for — and when it isn’t a fit.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Students should bring a packed lunch and will eat at the park — lunch time is planned into the field trip schedule.
Plan appropriate outdoor clothing for autumn conditions and ensure all students have packed lunches; the day is activity-focused and outdoors.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
What grade is eligible for Take Me to the River?
The program is open to students in Grade 4.
How much does the field trip cost?
The program is offered free to participating schools; adults and students attend at no charge.
What are the minimum and maximum group sizes?
Minimum number of students is 30; maximum per date is 90. Groups larger than 90 must register for more than one date.
How many adults must accompany a student group?
A minimum of three adults is required; at least two of those adults must be educators from the school because students are split into three groups.
Are there bus stipends available for Title I schools?
Title I schools are eligible for a bus stipend of $250 per bus for up to two buses; stipends are sent automatically upon completion of the field trip.
Where is the meeting point for the field trip?
The program meets at the North Gate Entrance of Hidden Falls Regional Park (1313 Hidden Falls Dr, St Paul, MN 55116).
When does registration close?
Registration for each date remains open until the available maximum slots (90) have been filled or will close automatically two weeks prior to the event date.
Who can I contact with questions about the program?
Contact Park Ranger Stephen Walker ([email protected]) or Managing Director and Ranger Jim Ford ([email protected]) for questions or considerations prior to registration.